Another newbie question about molds (moulds)

[dml1296]

I am thinking about buying a RCBS Hogden mold for my H-P Enfields. I don't know the exact bore size, but a .575 Minie slides nicely with just a hint of play. The molds come in various sizes. Would I be better off getting the .578 and sizing the bullets or should I get the .576?

So many questions, so much confusion. :roll:

[Greg Ogdan, 11444]

Good Sir,
The first thing you really need to do if you want to have an accurate bullet is to gauge the bore. That said, sized bullets are more repeatable in the diameter than out of the mould bullets. Also, please remember that the Hodgdon bullet is a thick skirt design and may need a charge of at least 50 grains of FFFg to obturate the base. I have shot the Hodgdon, and it seems to me that it likes to be sized VERY close to bore size.

[ms3635v]

I have been using the Hogden bullet for the last five years in my original 1861 Springfield with great success. The bore size on my musket is .580 and I size my bullets to .579 and the accuracy is excellent with 45 grains of 3F Goex. 45 grains of 3F adequately expands the base of the bullet.

Mike Santarelli, 3635v
Co. B, 1st PA Cavalry
MA Region

[Southron Sr.]

Take the size of the mould that the mould manufacturer claims with a very large "Gain of Salt." What has to be done is to purchase a mould and hope for the best. IF it is undersize, you can always "lap" it out so it throws larger bullets of the size you need.

[mikea]

If this is for a British made P-H the bore diameter is almost certainly .577. I have 2 of them, a P'53 and a P'58 and both are .577.
I use the RCBS/Hodgdon ".578" mould with the bullets sized .575 and would recommend that. I also have the ".576" mould and it is OK but prefer to use the larger one. There is about a 14 grain weight difference in the moulds I have, the sizing is more uniform with the bullets from the larger mould and they seem to be a tad more accurate.

[dml1296]

Thanks for the replies.

I don't have any ball gauges that will measure over 1/2" , but I have access to a lathe. I made a step gauge with .001" steps from .575" to .580"
My H-P musketoon seems to have a rather small bore. .575 has just a hint of play, but .576 will barely fit. The gauge is made of delrin and .576
will enter the muzzle with a little force. The P-H two band musket measures .578.

I shot the musketoon with minies sized to .575 and it did well. i haven't shot the two band yet.